Colombia River BMX 9/10/11

Here is video of Otto's next race with many more races included. Otto had some good competition and a great time. He can hardly wait until the next race. You will see a race with Otto and one other racer, Otto gets a little out of control, they both crash, but they got right up and kept racing. We were so proud of them!

Columbia River BMX 9/10/11

Good friends at the zoo

Our friends Leon and Jennifer do not live as close to us as they used to and we only see them a couple of times a year now. But the bond of friendship that we share with them, especially Jennifer and me (Marla), is a bond that we will share until we die even if I never see her in person again. They were all in town for X-Fest during Labor Day weekend and then invited anyone who would to go to the zoo on Monday. This was the crowd.

Charissa and I are missing our husbands and one child, but Leon and Jennifer are there with all nine children. What a treat to be around them all morning! Their adopted boys are speaking English so well! I had no problems understanding them when I had the opportunity. I would have loved to have heard more of their accents. :-)

The animals were more active than I have ever seen. The tiger was walking around. The little leopards (not what they are, I don't think, but I forget) were walking right by the glass. One of the polar bears was playing with a ball by the glass, throwing it in the air, diving into the water, it was amazing. The monkeys were swinging wildly. It was a great day.

Thanks again to my Dad and Eunice for the pass for all the children (and two adults)!!

Otto and BMX

Last Saturday Otto finally rode in a BMX race. He and Greg have wanted to race for years, but it has always been met with one difficulty or another. He got second place and had a fabulous time! They went to a track in St. Helens which has a smaller crowd than the one in Newberg. Greg put this video together; Otto has the red bike and camouflage shirt. There are other riders/races shown. Otto's first BMX race

Shopping

 We try to do all our shopping by bike. It is so convenient from our location, great exercise and a lot of fun. When Greg is home (not riding on trails out of the city), we go together which makes the trip more fun and allows us to get larger amounts. Today we went to New Seasons (our favorite, though not the least expensive), Fred Meyer (for the bank and a couple other things) and I even ran into Trader Joe's for some potatoes for tonight. The big Trader Joe's trip will be tomorrow. Greg took my camera with us today and got so many fabulous pictures!

Ducks

Dog

With Ryder and Ruby

Last... May, June? or thereabouts, we started taking care of a couple of kids that live right next door. They come and play three days a week while their parents are at work or in school. Ruby was our new 'young one' and so much fun. I don't see Ryder that much as he is always playing with Otto, Solomon or Olivia. When Ryder is here for quiet time Solomon will read him books until I say they have to stop (I have to have some silent time in the afternoons). I'm sure they often read a whole hour! The following pictures show this event. Also, we see Ruby with Louis grinding grain and Otto working on his math. Ruby absolutely loves Otto and says his name often; it is an easy one. One of Olivia's jobs is cleaning up the table and sweeping the floor after lunch. She does a great job. Sorry, the pictures are in reverse order. 

Little Time, Little Post

Greg bought me some lovely roses for Valentine's Day! They lasted more than a week and were so beautiful on this sunny day. I wish the pictures did them justice, but you get the idea.

For years Greg has wanted to get Triominos. He has many fond memories playing this game with his family. We are now doing the same with ours.

trip to OMSI

I am so glad Greg made this video after our trip to OMSI. We haven't been there in years (it's expensive), but Dad and Eunice bought us a family pass for Christmas and we are enjoying it!